North Korea calls US, South Korea "warmongers" over drills

North Korea has condemned joint military exercises by the United States and South Korea, saying it will continue to exercise its right to self-defence against what it described as military threats from the two countries, according to Malaysian media.

State media reported that a commentary had denounced the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, describing Washington and Seoul as “warmongers” who were increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The criticism came after US President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon on August 16 to substantially reduce US participation in the annual exercise. Trump also referred to his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The US president said on August 17 that Kim had responded to his outreach, but did not disclose details of the contact.

The drills began as scheduled on August 17. South Korean media subsequently reported that US Forces Korea Commander Xavier Brunson visited the country’s Defence Ministry on 18 August to discuss plans to scale back the exercise.

Trump has sought to revive engagement with Kim, while North Korea has continued to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programmes despite UN sanctions.

The KCNA commentary did not mention Trump or his recent actions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev